What is the D3 Visa?
The D3 Visa is an excellent option for highly qualified professionals who wish to live and work in Portugal. Designed for individuals with exceptional experience or qualifications, this visa allows residence for more than one year, providing access to a growing job market and an attractive lifestyle.
Who is the D3 Visa for?
The D3 residence visa is intended for all highly qualified professionals who want to work for a company based in Portugal and reside here for more than one year.
The residence visa is valid for 4 months and allows two entries into Portugal. During this period, the visa holder must relocate to Portugal and attend an appointment at AIMA for biometric data collection, so that the residence card can be issued.
Additionally, it allows the submission of accompanying visas for immediate family members at the same time as the main applicant’s D3 Visa request, enabling the entire family to immigrate together. Proof of family ties must be provided when submitting the visa application.
What are the requirements for obtaining the D3 Visa in Portugal?
To obtain a residence permit for highly qualified professionals, the following is required:
- Employment in a role requiring specialized technical skills of an exceptional nature, where the applicant has more than 5 years of experience or an appropriate qualification;
- Employment with a company based in Portugal;
- An annual salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS), which in 2026 corresponds to approximately €1,611.30.
What is the procedure and timeline?
The process for granting a residence permit for highly qualified professionals, known as the D3 Visa, consists of two phases:
Phase 1 – Consulate: Residence Visa Issuance
The applicant must submit the residence visa application at the Portuguese Consulate or Consular Section of the Portuguese Embassy in their country of origin or in the country where they have resided for more than one year, via the E-visa portal or by email (depending on the consulate).
In some countries, to manage the volume of applications, the Consulate may delegate tasks to VFS Global, a company that receives applications before they are reviewed by the Consulate.
Once submitted, the Consulate has 30 days to issue the visa.
After the visa is issued, the applicant can travel to Portugal to apply for the residence permit.
Phase 2 – AIMA: Residence Permit Issuance
In most cases, the residence visa is issued with the date and location of the appointment. If not, the applicant must request an appointment by phone, email, or using the appropriate form.
Once all documents are submitted, AIMA has 90 days to issue the residence card.
What documents are required for the D3 Visa?
The D3 Visa involves two distinct document preparation phases:
Phase 1 – Consulate
When submitting the residence visa application, the following documents must be provided, among others:
- Employment contract, promise of employment contract, or service agreement with a company based in Portugal;
- Annual salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the IAS (approximately €1,611.39 in 2026);
- Proof of qualifications or relevant professional experience of more than 5 years;
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
Fee: €110
Phase 2 – AIMA
At the appointment, the applicant will provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints, signature) and submit the required documents, including:
- Tax Identification Number (NIF);
- Proof of Social Security Number (NISS);
- Proof of accommodation;
- Signed employment or service contract with a company based in Portugal, valid for at least 6 months and with a monthly salary of at least €1,611.39;
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence.
Fee: €177.08
What is the validity of the Residence Card?
This residence permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance and can be renewed for 3 years. After 5 years, the foreign citizen may apply for permanent residence.
What are the main benefits of the D3 Residence Visa?
- Family reunification;
- Access to a qualified and affordable healthcare system;
- Access to legal rights and courts;
- Freedom of movement within the Schengen area.
Thinking about moving to Portugal?
If you are considering applying for the D3 Visa, make sure your process is well-prepared from the start. Contact us to begin your application with confidence.